Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – A local family was honored for their efforts to remember both living and deceased veterans during American Legion Post No. 88’s annual meeting on Jan. 21.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
AMERICAN LEGION Post 88 honored the owners of Richards Tree Farm Jan. 21 for donating wreaths and trees during the 2007 holiday season. Trees were donated and delivered by the Richards to a destination in Kentucky, for distribution through the Trees for Troops program. Wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in Fairmount Cemetery in time for Veteran’s Day 2007. Pictured from left: Frank Richards and Gaye Richards, of Richards Tree Farm; Sgt.-At-Arms Paul Wilson; Carl McGlauflin, finance officer, shaking Gaye Richards’ hand; Richard Scribner, first vice commander, seated; and William Sewall, commander of Post 88. For the story, please turn to page 7.
Frank and Gaye Richards, owners of Richards Tree Farm, have worked with the American Legion over the past couple of years providing free trees for the Trees for Troops Program. In 2006, Legion members transported the donated trees to a shipping site to the south. This year the Legion was unable to transport the trees themselves; that’s when the Richards offered to take the trees to their destination.
“We provided them with $75 for gas to take the trees down. They (the Richards) didn’t accept at first, but we insisted,” said Bill Sewall, commander of Post 88. “The gentleman who took them last time wasn’t available this year. The Richards generously volunteered to transport the trees for us. They not only donated them, they delivered the trees as well.”
Each year the Troops for Trees Program provides trees to military families, providing a bit of holiday cheer for those with loved ones serving their nation.
“Last year’s trees went to New York. I know because I helped deliver the load. This year, trees went to Kentucky,” said George Dionne, past commander.
For some, that would have been a big enough donation. But the Richards went a step farther, donating wreaths to adorn the graves of veterans buried at Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle.
“The Richards donated and placed about 70 wreaths in the veterans’ section of Fairmount Cemetery,” said Sewell. The wreaths were in place in time for Veteran’s Day.
“They put them out for Veteran’s Day. Mrs. Richards thought something should be done. I was very impressed,” said Carl McGlauflin, Post 88’s finance officer.
McGlauflin didn’t realize the full impact of the Richards’ gesture until he was returning from a downstate trip following an earlier snowstorm.
“It’s impressive. I was coming down the hill, returning to town – seeing all the wreaths in place, contrasting against the snow, that was quite a sight,” said McGlauflin.
McGlauflin was so pleased with what the Richards had done, he suggested the Legion honor the family for their generosity. During the Jan. 21 meeting, the Richards and their guests were invited to a dinner honoring them for their donations. Following dinner, the couple were presented a plaque recognizing them for their dedication to the Legion and veterans’ programs like Troops for Trees.
“We want to recognize the Richards for remembering veterans through their efforts providing trees and wreaths,” said McGlauflin, speaking with difficulty as emotion began to overtake him.
A modest couple, the Richards said little when McGlauflin presented them with their plaque, as those in attendance applauded.
“Thank you,” said Gaye Richards, as she and her husband – holding the plaque between them – paused for a quick photo before returning to their table.
